FM Sa'ar meets with Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FM Sa'ar on the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion regarding UNRWA: "This is not a 'Court of Justice'. It's a kangaroo court - a corrupt, political circus. It has been weaponized by Israel's enemies."
Type: Press Releases
Topic: Foreign Policy
Publish Date: 23.10.2025
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar today (Thursday, 23 October 2025) hosted Elisa Spiropali, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.
The two held a one-on-one meeting, followed by an expanded discussion with their teams. Following the meeting, the ministers signed Memoranda of Understandings on cooperation in diplomatic training and public diplomacy. They then held a joint press conference.
During his remarks, FM Sa'ar referred to the publication of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion, saying: This is not a 'Court of Justice'. It's a kangaroo court - a corrupt, political circus. It has been weaponized by Israel's enemies. It's being used to try to force Israel to accept measures that would endanger our security. We will not agree to cooperate with UNRWA - an organization whose employees participated in the October 7th massacre. There is no power on earth that can force this upon Israel. It's horrific and shameful that a UN agency is infiltrated with terrorists. UNRWA still employs over 1,400 Hamas terrorists! This evil partnership between a UN organization and a terror organization is now being protected by the so-called 'Court' of the United Nations. This system is rotten to its core."
FM Sa'ar also referred to the Trump Plan:
"Israel is committed to working toward the success of President Trump's Plan. There are difficulties. But we are doing everything we can to work toward its success. Hamas and Islamic Jihad must lay down their arms. Gaza must be demilitarized. It must no longer be allowed to pose a threat to Israel and its citizens. This is at the heart of the Trump Plan. We will not compromise on it. Attacks by Hamas on our forces will not be tolerated. They will be answered forcefully.
Regarding the dead hostages, FM Sa'ar said:
"Hamas must uphold the agreement! We know it can easily return most of the remaining 13 dead hostages. It is slowly trickling their return in order to delay the second phase of laying down its arms. Hamas is barbarically abusing the families who have waited two long years and simply want to lay their sons to rest. We demand the immediate return of all the bodies that Hamas is holding!"
Full Speech:
"Foreign Minister of Albania Elisa Spiropali,
It's my honor to welcome you on your first visit to Jerusalem.
Relations between Israel and Albania are warm.
Albania holds a special place in Jewish history.
During the Holocaust - the people of Albania had the moral bravery to save and protect Jews.
They were exceptional in Europe at that time.
It was the only country in Europe - where the number of Jews was greater after the war - than before it.
We will never forget this.
Prime Minister Edi Rama is a true friend of Israel.
He is one of the boldest leaders on the international stage.
Under his leadership, Albania's foreign policy has a clear moral dimension.
Albania showed true courage by standing up to Iran.
The bold friendship between our nations - including its support for Israel since October 7th - is another expression of Albania's moral foreign policy.
***
We are determined to deepen and strengthen relations between our countries and nations.
Israeli tourism to Albania has so far increased by over one thousand percent in the past year.
We expect there to be more than 77,000 Israeli tourists in Albania this year.
There are now direct flights and a growing interest of Israelis in visiting Albania.
The economic potential in our relations is huge.
Albania is a beautiful country and a safe destination for Israelis and Jews.
I call on more Israelis - come visit Albania!
תבקרו באלבניה! תבקרו במדינות ידידותיות. אלבניה היא מדינה יפהפייה ובטוחה לישראלים ויהודים.
And I call on Albanians - come visit Israel.
***
Albania is a pillar of stability and friendship in the Balkan region.
Today, we signed two new MOUs: on training young diplomats, and cooperating on public diplomacy.
These agreements are another step in strengthening our friendship.
***
I want to thank Vice President J.D. Vance for his important visit to Israel.
We are grateful to once again host Secretary of State Marco Rubio later today.
These visits express our tight friendship with the US and with the Trump Administration.
We are truly thankful for the strong support of our closest ally.
We spoke about the Trump plan.
Israel is committed to working toward the success of President Trump's Plan.
There are difficulties. But we are doing everything we can to work toward its success.
Hamas must uphold the agreement!
We know it can easily return most of the remaining 13 dead hostages.
It is slowly trickling their return in order to delay the second phase of laying down its arms.
Hamas is barbarically abusing the families who have waited two long years and simply want to lay their sons to rest.
We demand the immediate return of all the bodies that Hamas is holding!
Hamas and Islamic Jihad must lay down their arms.
Gaza must be demilitarized.
It must no longer be allowed to pose a threat to Israel and its citizens.
This is at the heart of the Trump Plan. We will not compromise on it.
Attacks by Hamas on our forces will not be tolerated.
They will be answered forcefully.
****
We see Hamas's mass public executions without trial of Palestinians in Gaza.
This is barbaric!
Isn't it strange that we don't hear strong voices now - when Palestinians are being mass-murdered by Hamas in broad daylight?
The silence is deafening.
This is the hypocrisy of the international community.
***
Yesterday the so-called "International Court of Justice" released its outrageous "Advisory Opinion" regarding UNRWA.
This is not a "Court of Justice".
It's a kangaroo court - a corrupt, political circus.
It has been weaponized by Israel's enemies.
It's being used to try to force Israel to accept measures that would endanger our security.
We will not agree to cooperate with UNRWA - an organization whose employees participated in the October 7th massacre.
It's horrific and shameful that a UN agency is infiltrated with terrorists.
UNRWA still employs over 1,400 Hamas terrorists!
There is no power on earth that can force this upon Israel.
This evil partnership between a UN organization and a terror organization is now being protected by the so-called "Court" of the United Nations.
This system is rotten to its core.
***
Dear Minister,
Albania is a valued friend of Israel.
Your visit marks another milestone in our growing partnership.
Together, we will continue to deepen the friendship between our nations.
Thank you."
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